Kazuhiro Tsuji to Oldman: "We would not be standing here today if it wasn't for you."

The team that transformed Gary Oldman into former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour collected the Oscar for achievement in makeup and hairstyling.

It was two year ago that makeup wiz Kazuhiro Tsuji got an email from Oldman, even though Tsuji has stepped away from Hollywood work. “He emailed me explaining Darkest Hour, and that if I’m available to do this, he will do this show, but if not, he won’t.”

Tsuji, David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick collected Oscars for their work on the film, topping the teams behind Victoria & Abdul and Wonder.

Accepting the award, Tsuji thanked Oldman, saying, "It was a real honor to be on this incredible journey with you, and we would not be standing here today if it wasn't for you. You are a wonderful actor, a dedicated artist and a true friend. We thank you for that."

Tsuji also thanked the entire "cast and crew, our family and friends for their amazing support, and my cats."

Oldman has said the hair and makeup process took about three hours and 20 minutes each day. Plus, “Kazu’s team made a body suit for me, which I climbed into and was tied into rather like an old Victorian corset. The whole process was just under four hours."